Cortical Blindness Following Neonatal Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy: Cases Series from Bamako

Purpose: Report of series of cases of cortical blindness that occurred after neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic by analysing its epidemiological frequency in black Africa. Methodology: This is the report of two clinical cases received in consultation on Monday 16th November 2020 and Thursday 7th January 2021 in the paediatric ophthalmology department of the IOTA-University Hospital. Results: They are two infants, aged 05 and 17 months respectively, who were brought in for consultation by their mother for lack of eye-tracking movement since birth. Both infants were born at term following a dystocic delivery. At birth, both infants had a very poor Apar score and were given a resuscitation treatment. The clinical examination coupled with the results of the paraclinical examinations allowed us to conclude at cortical blindness induced the neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. Their therapeutic management, in collaboration with the neurologist, included the combination of piracetam suspension and Valproate sodium syrup. The evolution after three months of treatment is marked by the regression of epileptic seizures and the perception of light. Conclusion: In black Africa, neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy is the second leading cause of cortical blindness in children, after the neuromalaria sequels.